Yes readers, 350 is the magic number so the majority of climatologists say. That’s 350 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 equivalent that is the level we need to get back to so to have a chance to limit warming to just two degrees Celsius.

Do we have much of a change seeing that in parts of the globe we are already at 400ppm? Well I hope so, or we better start thinking of climate adaptation and not climate change mitigation which is the less expensive of the two choices we have in front of us.

Personally, I don’t think all is lost. Things have changed, at least in a few countries, but the overwhelming majority of the top polluting countries do not have any major plans to mitigate climate change and begin any meaningful action.

Can we make a difference? Well, once again I hope so, but sometimes I just don’t know. I would like to think that we are not complete idiots and will begin to lower global emissions, but looking around at the crazy political policies that even our own governments are making, I still think it is business as usual.

Let me highlight two extremely short-sighted political decisions that were made in the last few weeks. In Victoria, our state government has reduced the state’s net solar feed-in tariff to 8 cents a kWh. As the majority of residential properties are paying between 23 and 25 cents a kWh for every one they import, essentially they are getting ripped off royally. It lets the electricity retailers buy it at 8 cents and lets them sell it instantly to your neighbour at the higher 25 cents, pocketing a profit of 17 cents a kWh for not even lifting a finger. It makes justifying the capital outlay of solar PV difficult for the average bloke, and it certainly does not encourage the rapid uptake of renewable energy. No sense of a fair go in this State. I think other states in Australia have the same issue now as well.

The other crazy decision is the federal government’s back down from the negotiating table after their promise to buy and decommission a few large, heavy polluting coal fired power stations, and ramp up large scale renewables. It was cowardice at the upper most level as far as I am concerned. Reports are that they didn’t even put an offer on the table, just walked away.

Both decisions designed to line the pockets of the fossil fuel industry and keep things just as they are. This stupidity does not give me much hope, and just makes me angry that our decision makers are so short sighted.

The founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben has it right you know. He says we have a fight on our hands, and it is against the most profitable entities in the world which are the oil, gas and coal companies and their lackeys in the political system. (acknowledgement goes to Dawn for the link)

What do you think? I do have lots of hope and believe that people will turn it around back to 350ppm, but my confidence often gets chipped away at. time and time again. It is discouraging to say the least.

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Some of you may have heard the news that once again some of our federal politicians have reneged on a promise, this once being an important step towards a clean energy future.

Here is what I received in my inbox from GetUp!

“Yesterday, Energy Minister Martin Ferguson announced that the Government has abandoned its commitment to shut down some of Australia’s dirtiest power plants.The scheme, called Contract for Closure (CFC), was designed to close stations like the infamous Hazelwood brown coal plant, by paying out the commercial operators. Instead, the program’s been scrapped because coal-fired generators remain so profitable that they think their assets are worth more than what the government was willing to pay.

What’s particularly hard to swallow about the breakdown in negotiations is now the most emissions-intensive generators are free to continue polluting – and be paid for it, to the tune of $5.5 billion in taxpayer compensation. Hazelwood alone has already received $266 million to continue polluting.Now, it’s being estimated that due to that compensation some of Australia’s biggest polluters are actually expected to profit from the carbon price; the exact opposite of what should have been an incentive to either transition to cleaner technologies, or close down. [1]It means that owners of Australia’s most polluting generators are being propped up, at our expense, while they continue business as usual.”

Not being one to stand back and whinge about this turn of events without doing something about it, I sent some of our MPs a personal email. I sent it to our Federal MPs Combet, Ferguson, and Swann being Ministers for Climate Change, Energy, and the Treasurer.

Dear Ministers,

Please reconsider your decision to back away from the negotiations with some of Australia’s biggest polluting energy companies.

Failing to close these coal fired power stations will send a message to the world that Australians are not serious about mitigating climate change, and that we are not willing to replace dirty coal with clean, green renewable energy.

Instead of propping up a 19th century electricity generation technology, lets embrace the 21st century and make our energy from the sun and wind. We have the means, and the know how, we just need the political will, because Australians all over the country are asking for these solutions.

Please do the right thing and re-enter negotiations to close the deal and some of the dirtiest power plants in our great country. Lets think of the legacy that we are leaving behind for our children and grandchildren.

Yours Sincerely,

Gavin Webber

I know I am only but one voice, but I believe that if we do not each take an active part in voicing our dissatisfaction then nothing will change.

You can find the tool to send these three MPs your email at the GetUp! campaign site. Please take the time to let them know your views on the matter.

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My chickens have no voice, but I know that they are happy because I treat them kindly and with respect. I love my chickens, and everything they do in return for me. They are well kept, have space to free-range amongst the garden beds (when empty), and they provide our family with entertainment and an abundance of healthy eggs!

I have been quiet on the subject of factory farmed animals for quite a while, and learnt a few facts yesterday at the Sustainable Living Festival, so it is time to break the silence.

Voiceless Australia have launched a campaign highlighting the conditions that factory farmed pigs and chickens are kept in around the country. I support them 100%, and believe that we are way behind European Union standards for animal cruelty laws. As Hugo Weaving (ambassador for Voiceless) says, “If I treated a dog the way pigs and chickens are treated on these farms, I’d likely be prosecuted”.

These animals are treated like objects, and without respect and dignity. Having watched pigs as a kid on our dairy farm, it does not surprise me that it has been found that they have the intellect of a 3 year old human child, and as for chickens, they each have their own personality and social structure.

So pleased be warned that these two following TV ads may disturb some readers, but they are factual. I personally don’t think they are hard hitting enough, but they certainly do get the point across.

Now I am not asking you to stop eating pork and chicken, but just take the time to think of where that cut of meat comes from when you buy it at the supermarket. Most of all, by being aware of where our food comes from, we can make better choices, and advocate cruelty free products.

So lets speak up so that we end these cruel factory farming practices in Australia, and indeed the world.

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About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese